Alexander Hek, 3 other Congressmen join BJP in Meghalaya

Guwahati: In what may be called a major political setback for ruling Congress in the run up to the Assembly elections in frontier state of Meghalaya, four legislators of ruling Congress-led alliance including one of the senior Congress leaders Alexander L. Hek joined the BJP on Tuesday.

Apart from Mr Hek, former deputy speaker Sanbor Shullai and two Independents — Justine Dkhar and Robinus Syngkon — joined the party at a public rally.

In what will add more strength to the saffron party in the run up to the Assembly elections this year in Christian state, another member of the Jaintia Hills autonomous district council Hambertus Nongtdu also joined the BJP.

In-charge of the BJP in Meghalaya, union minister of state for tourism K.J. Alphons, who was also present on the occasion, said that BJP is all set to “throw” the Congress out of power in Meghalaya.

“We are going to throw the most corrupt government in Meghalaya (from power). Mr Chief Minister, your days are numbered. This is just the beginning,” said Mr Alphons while welcoming the new entrants to the party.

Addressing a public rally Mr Alphons said, “You have been ruled by the Congress which deprived you of what you deserved. Your ministers have stolen your money. This has to stop.” He accused the ruling Congress party of indulging in rampant corruption leading to non-development of the state.

The in-charge of Northeast BJP Mr Ram Madhav who was also present said, “This was the fittest way for a party to welcome the New Year with four MLAs. I am confident that they will be re-elected again and again.”

Mr Madhav however, termed Mr Hek joining BJP as “ghar wapsi”. “The BJP is the present and future of India as well as Meghalaya too,” he added.